Week 4 reminded Giants fans why Dexter Lawrence is so important

There's a lot to smile about after the New York Giants' 21-18 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4. Of course, the main storyline is rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart getting the win in his first career start.

Not only did the 22-year-old rookie help New York get its first win at MetLife Stadium since December 29, 2024, but he also did it in front of his family, friends, and Big Blue Nation. He quickly earned the trust of the fans who supported him early, receiving a standing ovation when he ran out of the tunnel and chants of his name as the crowd left the stadium on Sunday.

Although this day was all about Dart — who, alongside fellow rookie running back Cam Skattebo, let Giants fans know the future is now — this win did not come easy. They had help from Big Blue’s defense, which came up with several big plays to stop Justin Herbert and secure the victory. One player, in particular, reminded us all why he’s so crucial to this franchise.

Dexter Lawrence put the team on his back to get the Giants the win

Of course, I’m alluding to All-Pro nose tackle Dexter Lawrence. While Sexy Dexy’s stat line didn’t particularly pop, just one tackle for a loss and a pass defended, it was his 37-yard interception off Justin Herbert at the end of the first quarter that gave Giants fans something to cheer about. It was the exact spark the defense needed, allowing the team to jump out to an early two-score lead. The G-Men came away with three points on that drive.

It was Lawrence’s first career interception, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. As soon as he deflected Herbert’s pass and came down with the ball, he took off, eyeing the end zone for his first touchdown. His speed was clocked at 17.35 mph, an insane number for someone tipping the scales at 340 pounds.

He tried to stretch for the goal line but was brought down by Herbert. Still, his return set New York up in the red zone. The Giants couldn’t punch it in after three straight tries, but they settled for a field goal to take a 10-point lead. It was a momentum-shifting play that shook MetLife Stadium, and while fans wanted the big man to score, he thought he had it too.

“I tell everybody I’m the fastest,” Lawrence said. “I thought I was going to score. I knew he was going to go low. I couldn’t catch my feet quick enough and went down.”

Although he couldn’t find the end zone, Lawrence’s play was just the beginning of an impressive defensive showing. Edge rushers Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and Kayvon Thibodeaux combined for 21 pressures on the day. Burns and Kayvon each brought down Herbert for a sack, and rookie cornerback Dru Phillips added a 56-yard interception return of his own.

There’s a lot to smile about for Brian Daboll and defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, who emphasized the importance of takeaways all offseason. They’ll look to build off this dominant outing in Week 5 against a struggling New Orleans Saints offense.

After the game, Dart credited the defense, saying they played at an “elite level” and helped take the pressure off the offense by forcing key turnovers. This win doesn’t happen without that unit. And it’s clear the Giants will continue to lean on the defense as they look to stay in the win column Sunday in New Orleans.